Pacific Ocean Facts and Environmentalism

July 13, 2018

If you’re taking a trip to Hawai’i, then you probably have some idea of how magnificent the Pacific Ocean is. This majestic body of water provides the setting for countless adventures and memorable vacations. The climate in this region is one that people across the world may envy, and the water itself is home to millions of unique plants and creatures. The land nearby has been populated for several centuries, and this makes sense since the land and water offer the perfect backdrop against which to live, work, and play. Exploring some interesting facts about the Pacific Ocean may help you to explore how complex and fascinating it actually is.

Depth and Size

Unless you’ve seen the Pacific Ocean up close, you may not realize how enormous this body of water is. It’s the largest ocean on the planet, and it spans over 30 percent of the surface of the earth. At its deepest, this ocean is approximately 35,827 feet deep.

The Volcanoes

If you haven’t been to Hawai’i, you might not have ever seen a volcano. There are plenty of volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean. In fact, according to an article in The Telegraph, this ocean is home to “the largest belt of volcanoes” on earth, as well as the highest mountain range on the planet (the tallest point is Hawai’i’s own Mauna Kea). The Hawaiian Islands are actually the youngest ones in the Hawaiian Ridge-Emperor Seamounts’ chain, which comprises over 80 volcanoes.

Maintaining the Health of the Pacific Ocean

Keeping this body of water healthy may benefit virtually everyone on the planet. Since this massive ocean spans so much of the earth, innumerable companies and individuals rely on it to survive. The water must remain healthy in order to sustain the global ecosystem as we know it. Millions of people travel to see this part of the Pacific every year, which contributes to a thriving travel and tourism industry in places near this ocean.

Beyond the people who use and enjoy the Pacific, this incredible body of water is an ecosystem of its own. The creatures and plants that live in the water depend on it for their survival. When the water is in good condition, it remains a healthy ecosystem. Many organizations are dedicated to keeping this spectacular ocean in the best possible condition.

Exploring Environmentalism and Public Education Efforts

Countless people seek to keep the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants in top shape. One example of this is the Coral Reef Conservation Program, which is made possible by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This organization strives to identify and address potential threats to the nation’s coral reefs, including those in Hawai’i. A group that works to keep the public educated about the varying conditions of this body of water is the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS), which keeps track of the behavioral patterns of the fish that live off of the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Once you see or swim in the Pacific Ocean, you will likely understand why this body of water is so special to so many people. This ecosystem has much to offer all who use it, including plants, sea creatures, and humans. Because of the continued efforts of conservation groups, locals and visitors are able to appreciate Hawai’i and the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean.